Shooting Stars Let Two-Goal Lead Slip in 2-2 Draw Against El-Kanemi Warriors
Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan missed the chance to claim all three points on the road as they surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against El-Kanemi Warriors in their Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 31 encounter at the El-Kanemi Stadium in Maiduguri.
Despite a dominant first-half display that saw goals from Monday Gideon and Sodiq Ibrahim, the Oluyole Warriors were unable to hold on, conceding twice in the second half to settle for a share of the spoils.
Head coach Gbenga Ogunbote made tactical adjustments to his lineup, with Aniyikaye Adeleye marshalling the defence, Adebayo Abayomi anchoring the midfield, and Adams Mustapha leading the attack. The changes seemed to work as Shooting Stars controlled proceedings early on.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Monday Gideon capitalised on a precise pass from Ukeme Williams to put the visitors ahead. Deep into first-half stoppage time, Sodiq Ibrahim doubled the advantage after being set up by Daddy Abdulrahman, giving Shooting Stars a comfortable 2-0 lead at the break.
However, El-Kanemi Warriors came out stronger in the second half and quickly found a way back into the game. In the 50th minute, Barnabas converted a well-placed free kick to halve the deficit.
Shooting Stars pushed forward in search of a third goal but were unable to restore their two-goal cushion. Instead, the hosts completed their comeback in the 79th minute when Alabi Suleiman struck the equaliser.
Goalkeeper Abiodun Akande was called into action multiple times in the closing stages, making crucial saves to prevent further damage and ensuring 3SC left Maiduguri with a point.
The draw keeps Shooting Stars in fourth place on the NPFL table with 47 points from 31 matches. They will now shift their focus to their matchday 32 fixture against Ikorodu City on Sunday, April 6, where they will aim to return to winning ways.
